Providence Native Tom Donilon to Helm Obama Cybersecurity Panel

President Obama intends to appoint Providence native Tom Donilon, the president’s former National Security Advisor, to be chairman of the federal Commis...

by Scott MacKay

President Obama intends to appoint Providence native Tom Donilon, the president’s former National Security Advisor, to be chairman of the federal Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity, according to a top White House aide.

Mr. Obama also intends to tap Sam Palmisano, former CEO of IBM, as the vice-chairman of the commission.

Mr. Obama announced establishment of this commission on February 9th to combat cybersecurity threats, trends and intrusions. The commission will include top strategic, business and technical thinkers from outside government, including members to be designated by Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress. The commission will study cybersecurity threats in both the public and private sectors.

Donilon, 60, is a Providence native and graduate of La Salle Academy. He was chief of staff to Secretary of State Warren Christopher from 1993 to 1996. He also graduated from Catholic University and holds a law degree from the University of Virginia.